Macron Rules Out Alliance with La France Insoumise
Emmanuel Macron insisted on Wednesday in the Council of Ministers that there was "no question" of "governing" with La France insoumise (LFI) the day after the legislative elections. This statement comes despite the withdrawals of the presidential camp in favor of the New Popular Front (NFP) to block the National Rally.
Withdrawals to Block National Rally
The presidential camp has seen nearly 80 candidates withdraw, often in favor of a candidate from the New Popular Front, to prevent a victory for the National Rally. However, Macron emphasized that withdrawing does not mean governing with LFI. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal supported this stance, stating, "There is not and there will never be an alliance with La France insoumise."
Government's Stance on Political Alliances
Government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot clarified that "withdrawing is not rallying; it is not compromising." She further stressed that fighting the National Rally today does not mean allying with the LFI tomorrow. Thevenot pointed out possible fractures within the NFP's other forces, including communists, socialists, and ecologists, the day after the election. She questioned the stability of the current electoral alliance within the left, suggesting it may already be crumbling.
- Macron's firm stance against forming an alliance with LFI highlights the complexities of political maneuvering in France. The president's decision to withdraw candidates to block the National Rally underscores a strategic move to prevent the far-right party from gaining an absolute majority.
- Prime Minister Gabriel Attal's comments on X (formerly Twitter) further solidified the government's position. By stating that there will never be an alliance with LFI, Attal aimed to reassure supporters of the presidential camp about their commitment to maintaining political integrity.
- Prisca Thevenot's remarks about the fractures within the NFP suggest that the left-wing coalition may face challenges in maintaining unity. The withdrawal of nearly 80 candidates indicates a significant shift in the political landscape, with potential long-term implications for future elections.
